Countdown to ecstasy. Or agony. But probably some of both.

Less than 3 months to Cannonball.  It's far enough off that I can still be a little lackadaisical about pulling all my stuff together but close enough that I'm getting pretty freakin' excited.  Eventually it will get close enough that I'll start to panic and worry that I'm forgetting something important.  For now it's restless indolence.

I've been looking back through forum posts from past CBRs and riders' blogs.  One thing about the blogs really stands out - most of them have numerous posts leading up to the run and then virtually nothing after that.  A few post recaps at the end but a lot just fall silent.  I assume that everyone who was blogging went into the Cannonball with the best of intentions to post all the way across country.  The fact that they didn't tells me that I should not assume I'll do any differently.  I'm bringing my computer and can also post from my phone and I really want to believe that I'm going to write.  What is more likely, however, is that I will speak with Pat every evening and she will post little recaps and updates while I'm at the bar / wrenching in the motel parking lot / lying in a tub / passed out in bed.  I, like others before me, will do my best to return from the adventure and try to capture the high points in a retrospective.  We'll see.

Along with my hope of writing my way across the southern U.S., I'd like to return with lots of photos.  I've used the Cannonball as an excuse to upgrade to a different camera and I would like to see myself actually use it.  There are a few problems with this scheme, however.  The only times I'll be stationary during the day are first thing in the morning (when I'm nervously getting myself ready to ride), stopped on the side of the road to pee or refuel (when my camera is apt to be the last thing on my mind), and in the evening (when the scenery consists of 50 other riders and their scooters in a motel parking lot). 

We are going to pass through some gorgeous areas, particularly in the Southwest, and it will be a shame if I can't capture some of it.  This means I'll have to stop.  Since the Cannonball is a timed run, stopping means losing time.  If I was riding to win it would be out of the question to pull over to take photos, but the handicapped scoring system makes it look like winning is the longest of long shots for me.  This means I ought to be able to stop and get off my scooter whenever I damn well please and not have to worry that I'll ruin my chance at a podium spot and glory since the chance won't be there to begin with.  As with writing, we'll see.

My favorite farkles: Part II

Okay, this one maybe doesn't qualify as a farkle since it's not a modification.  Eh, so what.

Airhawk seat cushion: This runs a close second to the back rest on my list of favorites and the two work well in tandem.  The Airhawk was developed by a company that makes products to relieve bed sores in hospital patients.  It’s an inflatable cushion with a sort of waffle pattern and a nylon cover.  You inflate it only enough to provide a thin cushion of air between you and the seat so you just barely float above it.  It adds about ¾” of height so anyone with short legs who already has trouble reaching the ground might have trouble with it. 

I can say tons of good things about how much better my scooter ride is with it, but as additional testimonial for this product I offer the following: In October 2010 I broke my collarbone in an accident.  I was unable to sleep lying down for the first two weeks so I stayed in my recliner in the living room during this time.  To make myself as comfortable as I could in this very uncomfortable situation, I put the Airhawk on my chair seat.  It made my already comfortable chair even more so.  I liked it so much that I left it in place for a number of months afterward.  It’s that good.  I also recently spent a few nights in my chair again because I had bronchitis and lying down made me hack.  I used the Airhawk again and it's staying there for good now.

Most people on Modern Vespa advocate for the medium cruiser size.  I have both a medium and a large and have to say that the large is the better of the two by a long shot.  It covers from the front end of the seat all the way back to the ridge that separates the rider from the pillion.  I found that the medium had a tendency to slide forward during long rides; the large never does.  I won't argue though; use whatever works for you.

My favorite farkles: Part I

One of the fun things about owning a scooter is making it your own by adding accessories (mods or farkles) to it.  It could be something purely decorative like a headlight visor or an item that enhances performance or comfort or safety.  It’s easy to get carried away with it.  If you’ve got deep enough pockets, there’s virtually no limit to the things you can add to your scooter.

While I was out riding a couple of days ago I was thinking about the various things I’ve done to my scooter and began to rank them in some sort of favorite order.

Utopia back rest: This one item is far and away the best addition I’ve made to my scooter.  I’ve had chronic back problems since I was a teenager and long rides really exacerbate the pain and discomfort.  This back rest has made my rides far more comfortable and I can stay in the saddle longer without having to stop to stretch.

It does make my Vespa look a bit like an armchair on wheels but I'm riding for pleasure, not to wow onlookers with my style.

There is one downside to installing this back rest - it leaves too little room on the back of the seat for a passenger.   That's not an issue for me but it might be a deal breaker for some.  Also, it is semi-permanent.  The bracket the seat back attaches to is bolted to the seat pan and comes up through the foam and seat cover.  If you don't like the idea of cutting a slit through your seat this isn't for you.

Anyone who has back issues and/or does long distance rides ought to give this some serious consideration.  When I began ranking my favorite modifications there wasn't anything else in contention for the top spot.  Get in touch if you have any questions that I might be able to answer for you.